What homeowners wish they had done before the storm

If you want to keep your house in the best shape possible, home safety during storms is important. Before the storm, take necessary steps such as updating your insurance policies, securing your roof and windows, gathering important documents, and more.

Climate Central reports that, as of March 2026, the United States has shelled out over $3 trillion for natural disasters. While this number includes all types of extreme weather events, the most common events include hail, hurricanes, flooding, severe weather, and winter storms.

As climate-change-related events continue to escalate, homeowners need to prioritize pre-storm home protection for themselves, their families, and their properties.

Have a Disaster Plan in Place

The last thing you need when disaster strikes is to run around, not knowing what to do or where to begin. Make sure that every member of your household understands the plans in case of different types of severe weather.

If you have pets, their kennels, cages, and tanks should be ready to be taken at a moment’s notice. Put all of their essentials in a bag or box, such as:

Food
Toys
Litterboxes (for cats)
Medications

You also need to have alternate escape routes in case flooding or other problems block the entrances to your home. Train your family members on how to evacuate safely, and if you have pets or small children, do a test run with them so you understand every step.

Update Your Insurance Policies

When you review your insurance policies every year, you may simply note the ever-increasing cost. However, it is important to go over every single policy change. Some companies try to reduce their coverage and hope that customers will not notice if the overall cost stays the same.

Insurers continue to exit high-risk areas because companies want to avoid being flooded with claims and having to compensate homeowners with larger payouts. Florida and California are two of the main victims of these harmful policies due to wildfire and hurricane risks, respectively.

Digitize Essential Documents

One of the biggest advantages of modern technology is the ability to store important documents in digital format. Scan your most important documents and upload them to a secure server. Consider making digital copies of the following:

Birth certificates
Medical records
Veterinarian records
Loan documents
Home deeds
Financial statements
Passports
Government identification cards

If you feel uncomfortable with only the digital copies, make extra paper copies and keep them in a separate, secure location, such as a storage unit or a post office box.

Secure Your Roof

When a storm batters your home, there is an increased chance that your roof will suffer damage, as it is typically the first line of defense. Before storm season begins, inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs.

If there are major issues, you may need to hire a storm damage repair company to restore your roof to its original condition.

Invest in Storm Windows

Windows that aren’t strong enough to handle high winds or rain can be dangerous. Imagine you are sitting in the living room, and large pieces of hail crash through your windows, sending glass everywhere.

High-quality storm windows are impact-resistant, meaning that they can withstand large amounts of flying debris like rocks and tree branches. They are usually double-paned as well and have additional features, such as noise cancellation.

Take Pictures of Valuable Items

When your home burns down or floods, it can be difficult to remember all of the important items. Take pictures of all of the big items that you would want to claim in an insurance payout. Organize them in a physical folder, digital hard drive, or both.

Take note of the date that the picture was taken, and if you remember, document how much you originally paid for the item as well. Save any important documentation related to the item as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Are Storms Most Common?

The season when storms are most common depends on where you live. In the southern United States, especially Florida, storm season is from June through November. However, in Hawaii, the majority of heavy rainfall occurs during the winter months.

It is important to understand when the storm season begins, so you can prepare accordingly during the off-season. Additionally, better weather means that it is easier to make modifications to outer structures, such as roofs and windows, without worrying about damage during the process.

Are Renters Ever Responsible for Storm Damage?

Usually, renters are not responsible for storm damage. The homeowner or landlord needs to keep their insurance policies up to date so that the property is protected for its residents.

However, renters may still be affected by storm damage. If the property requires major renovations, then the landlord must understand state laws regarding how they must reimburse their tenants. The landlord may also ask renters to take pictures and give details of the damage, especially if they are out of state.

If you live in an area where storm damage is common, it may be a good idea to include lease language that specifies what the tenants need to do in case of a natural disaster. All parties will be covered and have clear responsibilities in any given situation.

Do Storms Affect Black Homeowners Differently?

They can. Black homeowners historically have suffered discrimination in all sectors of the property market, from home loans to insurance coverage.

When you receive a quote or coverage statement from an insurer, compare it to others in your area. Look online or ask friends to see if you are getting what you pay for. Engage in early storm preparation so you are not left blindsided if a catastrophe occurs.

Know What to Do Before the Storm

When a natural disaster approaches, it is crucial to take every step that you can before the storm. By ensuring that your household is secure with this essential storm checklist, you can have some peace of mind.

Would you like to learn more about how you can protect your home? Take a look around our website for tips, tricks, and insights.